Planning a road trip that accommodates a variety of mobility levels can feel like it requires a lot of research. Those without mobility restrictions want the option to roam freely once they arrive, while those travelling with small children in strollers, or who require the assistance of their own mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs, want to know that they’ll also be able to enjoy the destination without restrictions. Fortunately, a growing number of attractions, restaurants, and hotels are incorporating accessible design principles into their properties, making it easier than ever to plan a day away that is enjoyable for everyone. The following four themed adventures offer limitless fun for all, along with comfortable accommodations and delicious dining options.
All-In Adventure #1: Fun On The Farm
Farms located in the rural communities just outside of London, Ontario, in Middlesex County, have really stepped up their efforts when it comes to providing exceptional experiences for ALL visitors. If you’re visiting during the fall, start your day of farm-to-table fun in Thorndale at Apple Land Station. More than just a farm, Apple Land Station offers an educational experience where memories are made. Accessible washrooms and pathways throughout the fun farm area, will help ensure everyone can navigate the space with ease. Don’t forget to pick up a famous mile-high apple pie from the bake shop!
Next, stop for a quick lunch at Fat Olive, a family-friendly restaurant in Dorchester that offers accessible washrooms and parking, and sources local ingredients for its fresh, authentic Italian cuisine.
After lunch, swing into Heeman’s, where you’ll find accessible parking and washrooms. The family-owned greenhouse in Thorndale offers top-quality plants, local produce, family-friendly events, and seasonal hard cider and mead made in the Heeman's Cellar. Grab a beverage from Berry Beanery and enjoy a sunny stroll or roll through the greenhouse.
For your final farm stop of the day, head to Proof Line Farm Creamery and Farm Market in Ilderton. The farm, which offers accessible parking and washrooms, sells full-fat milk, pasture-raised eggs, and beef directly from the farm, along with other locally sourced products. In the creamery, choose an afternoon treat from a rotating selection of seasonal flavours of small-batch gelato and non-dairy sorbet.
Check in for an overnight stay in Strathroy at the Holiday Inn Express, which offers guests a wide range of accessibility features.
For your evening meal, spice things up at Tia’s Place. The spacious Strathroy restaurant, which has accessible parking, an automatic door, and a ramp, offers an authentic Portuguese dining experience.
The next morning, wrap up your getaway with another stop or two at an area farm that prides itself on incredible and accessible hands-on experiences. While the grounds are rocky at Timbuktu Alpaca Farm, they are relatively flat, and the on-site washrooms are wide enough for a wheelchair. The farm promotes physical and mental well-being through a range of holistic services, including alpaca yoga, meditation with horses, and immersive farm visits that can include an alpaca walk. The grounds at Kusterman’s Adventure Farm are wheelchair accessible through the farm, with the exception of the big corn maze in the fall, but there is a mini maze that is wheelchair accessible.
All-In Adventure #2: History and Heritage
Begin your journey back in time at the Lucan Area Heritage and Donnelly Museum, which has accessible parking and an accessible entrance. In addition to learning about the infamous Donnelly tragedy, you’ll also discover the fascinating history of the early Black settlement known as Wilberforce, and the settlement of the Irish and Dutch in this area.
Next, make a short drive south to enjoy lunch at The Singing Chef or Union Pub Company. Both of these Komoka restaurants offer accessible parking, washrooms, and entrances.
After lunch, head to Longwoods Road Conservation Area and the Ska-Nah-Doht Village. The Village is reflective of those inhabited by the Haudenosaunee along the Antler River (or the Thames River) approximately 1,000 years ago. You’ll find accessible parking and washrooms, as well as wheelchair accessible trails, like the Millstream Trail.
Freshen up in your room at the Holiday Inn Express in Strathroy, which offers a wide range of accessibility features for guests. Switch things up for dinner, and head to Delaware Speedway. You’ll find accessible parking spaces, washrooms, and seating and a fun car racing culture that revolves around a unique asymmetrically shaped half-mile track that happens to be Canada's longest running asphalt race track. Delaware Speedway offers a full concession with many different food and beverage choices, including hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza and Delaware Speedway’s famous French fries.
The next morning, if you’re hungry for more local history, make the journey west to the pretty town of Petrolia to check out the Oil Museum of Canada. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has ramps or step-free access, an automatic door at the entrance, accessible parking spaces located close to the main building, accessible washrooms, and support persons receive free access to the museum when accompanying an individual with a disability.
All-In Adventure #3: Lake Huron Beach Hopping
Start your day enjoying brunch or lunch at Grand Bend’s Cottage Cafe, where a ramp is available for those using wheeled mobility devices. After your meal, drive along the Lake Huron coastline to Pinery Provincial Park. The Visitor Centre, outdoor theatre, park store, rental building and canoe dock are all barrier-free. The Cedar Trail, Heritage Trail and Riverside Trail are accessible, and a three-wheeled chair is available at the bike building for accessing rugged or sandy terrain.
After a few hours of afternoon exploring at The Pinery, head south along the Lake Huron shoreline to enjoy a sunset dinner at Ipperwash Beach Club. The building, which dates back to 1920, has undergone extensive renovations and offers accessible parking, a ramp, and an automatic door.
After dinner, make your way to Point Edward for a comfortable night at the Hampton Inn by Hilton. The hotel offers several accessible rooms, accessible access to the indoor pool, and welcomes service animals.
The next morning, grab buttery pastries and coffee at The Bridge Patisserie et Café to enjoy al fresco at Point Edward’s Waterfront Park, where everyone will enjoy the view from the paved waterfront trails, and there is also an accessible park.
All-In Adventure #4: Blooms, Beer and Birds
Spend the early afternoon visiting DeGroot’s Nurseries in Sarnia, where all aisles are wheelchair accessible, and they also keep a motorized electric scooter on hand for any visitors requiring assistance. In addition to high-quality plants and garden supplies, there is a gift shop filled with beautiful products.
Enjoy a late lunch at John’s Restaurant, just down the road from the nursery, and taste for yourself why this wheelchair-accessible restaurant has had a reputation as one of the area’s favourite dining destinations for over 60 years!
Stop for a happy hour flight of craft beer at Imperial City Brew House before checking into a cozy room at Four Points By Sheraton Point Edward Sarnia. The newly renovated hotel, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Huron, offers a wide range of accessibility features.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at Match Eatery and Public House, where there’s wheelchair access and always a great nightly special on offer.
The next morning, fuel up with a big breakfast at Ole Country Diner, which has accessible parking and incredibly helpful staff, before making your way to Canatara Beach and Park, which ranks among the world's best places to bird. Watch for the wide variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors who call this area home, particularly during migration seasons. The beach here is one of only 27 Canadian beaches to have earned official Blue Flag status for its commitment to adhering to strict water quality and several other criteria. Rubber mat walkways make the beach more accessible to people using wheelchairs or strollers, and there are accessible chairs for beach access.